Australia | USMEF And Industry Partners Take Steps In Safeguard Investigation...
Australia
USMEF And Industry Partners Take Steps In Safeguard Investigation
Australia’s Productivity Commission (“PC”) initiated on Oct. 24 a global safeguard investigation of imports of frozen boneless pork. The investigation covers frozen pork classified under tariff code 0203.29.00 of Australia’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule. USMEF, National Pork Producers Council, American Pork Export Trading Company and American Meat Institute have formed a coalition to defend the interests of the U.S. pork industry in this investigation.
The PC is Australia’s “competent authority” for conducting safeguard investigations. Its inquiries involve calling for submissions from all interested parties, making all non confidential sections of such submissions publicly available and conducting hearings before completing its report to the Australian government. The government has discretion as to what remedy, if any, to provide, such as duties, quotas, or tariff-rate quotas. The remedies can remain in place for up to four years (and extended for an additional four years). The PC does not have any executive power and cannot impose any remedy (e.g., safeguard duties or quotas). The PC makes a recommendation to the government, which then decides what action, if any, should be taken. The PC will issue a preliminary determination on Dec. 14, 2007 and a final report by the end of March 2008. For more information, see the investigation timeline.
This is only the second global safeguard investigation in Australia. The previous investigation, which also covered pork products, did not result in imposition of any quotas or duties. Instead, the government agreed to provide direct assistance to Australian pig farmers and pork producers.
Australia
USMEF And Industry Partners Take Steps In Safeguard Investigation
Australia’s Productivity Commission (“PC”) initiated on Oct. 24 a global safeguard investigation of imports of frozen boneless pork. The investigation covers frozen pork classified under tariff code 0203.29.00 of Australia’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule. USMEF, National Pork Producers Council, American Pork Export Trading Company and American Meat Institute have formed a coalition to defend the interests of the U.S. pork industry in this investigation.
The PC is Australia’s “competent authority” for conducting safeguard investigations. Its inquiries involve calling for submissions from all interested parties, making all non confidential sections of such submissions publicly available and conducting hearings before completing its report to the Australian government. The government has discretion as to what remedy, if any, to provide, such as duties, quotas, or tariff-rate quotas. The remedies can remain in place for up to four years (and extended for an additional four years). The PC does not have any executive power and cannot impose any remedy (e.g., safeguard duties or quotas). The PC makes a recommendation to the government, which then decides what action, if any, should be taken. The PC will issue a preliminary determination on Dec. 14, 2007 and a final report by the end of March 2008. For more information, see the investigation timeline.
This is only the second global safeguard investigation in Australia. The previous investigation, which also covered pork products, did not result in imposition of any quotas or duties. Instead, the government agreed to provide direct assistance to Australian pig farmers and pork producers.